Thought Leadership

Commenting on the May 2023 local elections, Peter Holbrook CEO of Social Enterprise UK said: Social Enterprise UK sends warm congratulations to candidates who were elected during last week’s Local Elections. We have seen significant shifts in council make-up across the country. People want their local councillors to ensure community services work for them, that local issues are addressed, and that democracy delivers. Social enterprises are playing an increasingly valuable role in supporting local communities, delivering economic prosperity, and bringing people together to address local challenges. We hope that newly elected representatives will take time to engage with local social enterprises and support them through this period of economic uncertainty.

We pass on our very best wishes to His Majesty King Charles III and all those celebrating the coronation this weekend. The King has a long association with social enterprise, founding Duchy Originals as a social enterprise which donates 100% of profits to supporting young disadvantaged people right across the UK. Through the Prince’s Trust, he has enabled thousands of aspiring social entrepreneurs to get their ideas off the ground and create positive change in their communities and beyond. We thank him for his dedication to supporting the next generation of social entrepreneurs and his commitment to responsible business practices and the protection of our natural world.  

The award-winning service for adults with disabilities, Nickel Support, has launched their new shop “Interestingly Different”, which sources and sells a wide range of beautiful products all created, designed and/or packaged by adults with learning disabilities or facing life challenges. Interestingly Different, the gift and homewares store with a difference has re-opened after being transformed in a spectacular renovation. The shop in Carshalton, Sutton,  sells an incredible and varied selection of high quality gifts and homewares. The social enterprise has also relaunched its website, giving shoppers the choice of buying in person or online. All of the products being sold are made by social enterprises supporting marginalised groups across the country. However, as well as providing a unique place for shoppers who want to shop more consciously, Interestingly Different’s core goal is to provide training and employment opportunities for their 100 trainees who all have a learning disability and/or autism, and thus enabling them to lead a purposeful and fulfilled life. Just 4.8% of adults with learning disabilities are in paid employment. Nick Walsh and Elena Nicola set out to change this statistic over 10 years ago when they founded Nickel Support after they had become disillusioned by the learning disability sector as a whole. They felt that people with learning disabilities were being short changed by some of the more traditional services, and that they deserved so much more, including more opportunities for paid employment. Amongst their other strands of support, Nickel Support and Interestingly Different have helped address this lack of opportunities by launching various enterprises, including upcycling furniture and the development of a range of hugely popular jams and chutneys. Nick Walsh, Nickel Support’s Operations Director commented: “The enterprises have been fantastic for harnessing the skills and abilities of the trainees. However, as the enterprises grew it became obvious that there was scope for widening the areas in which trainees could gain skills, as well as to provide more opportunities for paid employment. We put our heads together, successfully secured funding, and set about refurbishing and expanding Interestingly Different.” After various months of hard work, the shop was transformed into the beautiful light and airy space it is now. On February 3rd, 2023, Elliot Coburn MP cut the ribbon alongside a group of trainees and declared the shop open for business. The launch of the physical shop was also an opportunity to announce the count-down to the online store, which went live a few weeks later. Interestingly Different now sources and sells a wide range of products from over 15 other UK based social enterprises, all of whom are working with adults with disabilities or facing life challenges. The shop offers a unique opportunity for the trainees to acquire the vast range of skills required for employment in the retail industry such as fulfilment, customer service, and till work to name a few. The shop also works with corporate clients to help with their gifting needs. Seeing Interestingly Different’s trainees working in the shop - be it behind the till and serving customers, or downstairs packaging up online orders - you can really sense that this is a place where they are valued, and are being equipped with vital skills for the workplace. One trainee commented, “The training has given me the self belief and confidence to work”. There are currently five Interestingly Different trainees in paid employment, a number they hope to increase in the near future as the shop gets busier. Interestingly Different is open Monday - Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and their  website, https://interestinglydifferent.co.uk/ is currently offering a 10% discount off your first order when you sign up to their newsletter. They also work with corporate clients in making gift hampers.  Each and every purchase helps towards the greater goal of an inclusive society where adults with disabilities are able to meet their potential and live a purposeful and fulfilled life. Interestingly Different is part of their parent organisation, Nickel Support. Nickel Support is a pioneering, award winning, not-for-profit community interest company set up in 2012, which works with over 100 adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. Nickel Support is based in Sutton and now work with over 100 adults with learning disabilities across their two branches in Carshalton and Cheam. Nickel Support was a finalist in the 2022 National SME Business Awards as well as in the 2022 Social Enterprise Awards; and has recently been shortlisted for the 2023 Small Awards. For further information or quotes regarding Nickel Support, please contact Nick Walsh, nick.walsh@nickel.org.uk , 020 8669 5567. For further information or quotes regarding Interestingly Different, please contact Ashley Walsh, ashley.walsh@nickel.org.uk , 020 8669 5567. For a press-pack of high resolution images please contact Ashley Walsh as per the above details. Interestingly Different has also written articles for a number of publications. If you would be interested in article provision, please contact hello@interestinglydifferent.co.uk. Interestingly Different & Nickel Support, 15 & 16 The Parade, Benyon Road, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3RL www.nickel.org.uk www.interestinglydifferent.co.uk

Date: Thursday 6 July (10.00am – 16.15pm) Location: IET Birmingham, Austin Court After a four-year absence, Plunkett Foundation is running its first face-to-face conference since 2019, bringing members, advisers, and experts together for a one-day networking and knowledge sharing event. Facing the Future Together will take place in July in the heart of Birmingham and promises an exciting, enlightening and inspiring day of key note addresses, expert panels, and interactive workshops, as well as one to one sessions with specialised business advisers. The jam packed schedule will celebrate the growing community business movement and address the priority areas in Plunkett’s five-year strategy, examining how community businesses can: Provide a wider range of services that communities need and value Stimulate the local economy through localised supply chains Boost opportunities for employment, training and volunteering, particularly benefitting those who are most disadvantaged and excluded in today’s society Offset climate change through environmentally-friendly practices Harness digital technologies to enhance business performance Promote diversity and inclusion by creating a safe and welcoming space for all Designed in collaboration with Plunkett Foundation members, the programme includes a mix of sessions to appeal to community businesses of all shapes and sizes; from new groups to well-established and trading businesses, from all corners of the UK, and for all business types. Claire Spendley, Head of Community Business at Plunkett, said: “I’m really excited to be able to bring community businesses together to learn from each other and share experiences, after such a prolonged period of change and challenge, for the first Plunkett conference since 2019. Whilst we understand that the communities we work with are still navigating a challenging operating environment, we know that community businesses up and down the UK are pulling together to make a genuine, positive impact for local people – and we want to share these stories and inspire those involved in community business to see the opportunities they have to make a difference”. Confirmed speakers for the event include representatives from national funders, community sector bodies, partners from the cooperative movement, authors, and campaigners and of course community businesses themselves. Sam Ross, Plunkett Member, Secretary at Farmborough Community Shop and confirmed panellist said: “Plunkett plays an important role in encouraging community businesses to run as thriving, sustainable businesses, to ensure they are competitive, and invest in their people. There is no substitute for coming face-to-face to discuss these issues”  The full details of the event can be accessed via the Plunkett Foundation website, and members are advised to make use of the early bird discounts on tickets, before 30 April 2023. Plunkett is grateful to all the partners, supporters and market place contributors that have made the event possible. If you’re organisation is interested in sponsoring the event please get in touch with Sarah Benn, Memberships & Training Manager -sarah.benn@plunkett.co.uk For more information about the conference or to discuss any of the content on offer please contact the Plunkett Membership team via membership@plunkett.co.uk For media information and images contact Becky Mew, Communications Manager, Plunkett Foundation. Becky.mew@plunkett.co.uk Notes to editors The full conference programme, including confirmed speakers found here https://plunkett.co.uk/facing-the-future-together/ Who is the Plunkett Foundation? Plunkett Foundation is a national charity with a vision for resilient, thriving and inclusive rural communities. To achieve this, we support people in rural areas to set up and run a wide range of businesses which are genuinely owned by local communities, whereby members have equal and democratic control. We represent community businesses in rural and urban areas throughout the UK, from shops and pubs through to woodlands, farms and fisheries. Through our support for community businesses, we have a specific mission to create innovative, impactful and inclusive spaces. We achieve this by helping community businesses to: Provide a wider range of services and amenities that communities value and need Stimulate the local economy through localised supply chains Boost opportunities for employment, training and volunteering Benefit people who are most disadvantaged and excluded in today’s society Offset climate change through delivery of environmentally sustainable initiatives Harness digital technologies to enhance business performance Promote equality, diversity and inclusion by creating safe and welcoming spaces for all. Plunkett represents nearly 750 community businesses throughout the UK. In practical terms, Plunkett raises awareness of the community business model UK-wide and provides business support and training to help these businesses start-up and go on to thrive. As a membership organisation, we also seek to represent the interests of rural community businesses. What is a community business? Any type of business that trades for community benefit and which is democratically owned and controlled by the local community. The growing community business movement: There are nearly 750 community-owned businesses in the UK, including 164 community pubs, 413 community shops, 59, land-based businesses plus an interesting mix of bakeries, bookshops, distillery's, woodlands and farms. The long-term survival rates for community business is very high at 96% (Compared to 44% for SME from the Office of National Statistics)

More than a million businesses in the UK could be supported to formally transition to social enterprises, based on their current engagement with social issues, according to new research. Social Enterprise UK’s (SEUK) newly-launched ‘Transitions’ report reveals that as many as a fifth of SMEs in the UK aspire to make a positive social impact – but are not currently operating formally as social enterprises. This means more than a million organisations have the scope to transition to social enterprise status, and contribute more to the economy and society in doing so. As a result of its findings, SEUK is encouraging businesses in the UK to consider their status and learn more about how they could benefit from transitioning to a new model. Operating as a social enterprise allows a business to lock in its social and environmental purpose, ensure profits benefit that purpose, and enjoy wide-ranging benefits for staff, customers and clients by reaching new markets and developing new products and services. Social enterprises also regularly enjoy enhanced reputations, customer loyalty and employee engagement, whilst having wider access to funders and financers motivated by social impact. Peter Holbrook, CEO at SEUK, said: “Whilst we acknowledge the fantastic work of existing social enterprises in benefiting our economy and society, our research identifies that a huge number of other businesses are not maximising the opportunities available to them from social enterprise models and solutions. “No social enterprise is the same, either, so there are a variety of options for companies wishing to transition – for example, a small tech firm may be best suited to a co-operative model, employee ownership may fit a bigger retail business or a trust model could work well for a business running a heritage asset. “Therefore, we encourage businesses to find out more and understand if transitioning to a new model is viable for them, so they can reach their potential and make an even greater difference to the world as a social enterprise.” Read the full report here

Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) are proud to be a delivery partner on the newly launched VCSE Contract Readiness Programme.  Delivered in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) and Voice4Change England, and funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) – the VCSE Contract Readiness Programme’s objective is to enable social enterprises and charities to compete alongside other organisations for public sector contracts. The programme is divided into two pathways – one for voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) and one targeted at public sector commissioners, with an initial focus on commissioners at central government departments. How to get involved - VCSE pathway This programme is a great opportunity for social enterprises and charities wanting to win government contracts to find out more about how to successfully apply for these opportunities.  There are a number of ways for SEUK members to take part in the programme from introductory webinars to more in-depth short and long courses designed to help organisations implement the practical steps to become procurement ready. Our friends at SSE are primarily managing the VCSE pathway and more information can be found on the SSE website. Click here to find out more about the VCSE pathway and eligibility criteria. Organisations can sign up to 'Government Contracts Revealed', the first public webinar in the programme which will introduce social enterprises and charities to public sector procurement. This will be suitable for those with little or no experience of tendering. Click here to sign up The first available public webinar is on 25 April with further dates in June. The Public Services Hub The Public Services Hub is an online platform, developed by SEUK as part of the programme, which hosts resources and opportunities to help advance the role of social enterprises and charities in public sector commissioning.  From government guidance to details on how to find contracts – the Public Services Hub is a great first port of call for social enterprises and charities interested in working with government and the broader public sector.  The Public Services Hub also holds resources for commissioners to help them better understand the benefits of partnering with VCSE service providers. Click here to visit the Public Services Hub  We will be sending out updated information about the programme as more elements of it become live.

A multi-award winning social enterprise aiming to eradicate period poverty is celebrating after donating 30 million products to vulnerable people. The team at Musselburgh-based Hey Girls reached the major milestone this month after just five years of trading. The multi-award-winning social enterprise operates on a “buy one, donate one” model – meaning a box of period products is donated to community partners like foodbanks, homeless shelters and women’s refuges for everyone purchased. Celia Hodson founded the business with her daughters Kate and Bec after the family personally experienced the hardships of period poverty. Speaking after reaching the milestone, she said the business will not slow down while people continue to endure similar experiences. She said: “All of us are absolutely thrilled to reach such a major milestone. “In five years we have helped reshape the attitude towards periods in the UK and played our role in breaking the taboo. “But our work is far from over. The cost of living crisis has seen more people fall into period poverty and they need our help. “We are incredibly thankful to all our valued customers and supporters for helping us reach 30 million donations – but we won’t be celebrating for long. Now is the time for action.” One in 10 people in the UK are affected by period poverty, a situation that has worsened with the economic crisis. Customers typically include businesses looking to improve period dignity in the workplace, as well as local councils, universities and schools. Their purchases are matched with a donation to Hey Girls’ network of more than 250 community partners – a number continuing to grow. Away from selling products, the Hey Girls team also work hard to put pressure on governments and local authorities to bring forward positive change. Celia added: “So much has changed since we first started – and the passing of the Period Products Act in Scotland is proof that a fairer world is possible. “That historic day is one that will stay with us forever, but now is the time for the rest of the country to follow suit and achieve period equality once and for all.” Visit Hey Girls page on the Social Enterprise Directory

West Northamptonshire, UK - On March 14th, 2023, West Northamptonshire Social Enterprise Town (WNSET) will be launching a new investment fund aimed at supporting the growth and development of social enterprises in Northampton. The WNSET Social Enterprise Development Fund is funded by Northampton Forward as part of the Town’s Fund and supported by West Northamptonshire Council as a community-driven initiative that aims to provide funding and support for local social entrepreneurs to maximise the impact of the Town’s diverse social enterprise sector.The investment fund is designed to support social enterprises that are making a positive impact on the community and the environment, while also generating income and creating jobs. The fund will provide investment capital to social entrepreneurs to start and grow their social businesses, with a focus on those who are addressing local social and environmental challenges.The WNSET Social Enterprise Development Fund launch event, which will be held at the University of Northampton, Waterside Campus, Learning Hub, will feature presentations by local social entrepreneurs, who will share their experiences and success stories. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network and learn more about the investment fund and the support available for social enterprises in the area.Stephen MacFarlaine, Chair of the West Northamptonshire Social Enterprise Town, said: "We are excited to launch the WNSET Social Enterprise Investment Fund, which will provide much-needed funding and support to social entrepreneurs in the area. Social enterprises have the potential to create real change and improve the lives of people in our community and we are grateful to West Northants Council and Northampton Forward for their commitment and support for the sector. The Town’s Fund provides access to much needed funding to empower local social entrepreneurs and help them achieve their goals." Councillor Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at WNC, said: “The Northampton Social Enterprise Development Fund forms an integral part of West Northamptonshire’s ambitious £33 million Towns Fund and Future High Street Fund regeneration programme to transform Northampton Town Centre. “This project enables us to directly support the growth of our thriving social enterprise community who provide diverse and invaluable services for Northampton and beyond. We are delighted to see the launch of this fund and we look forward to seeing the positive contribution it makes to our community.” Martin Mason, managing director of Tricker's and Northampton Forward Board member, added: “We are delighted that as part of this project we’re able celebrate the independent spirit of social enterprises across West Northants and the vital role they play in developing and supporting our local economy. We look forward to working with our partners and businesses to drive this scheme forward.” The WNSET Social Enterprise Development Fund is part of the larger WNSET social enterprise place initiative, which aims to promote and support social enterprises in the West Northamptonshire area. WNSET provides training, mentoring, and access to funding for social entrepreneurs, with a focus on social and environmental impact.For more information about the WNSET Social Enterprise Development Fund and the launch event, please visit the WNSET website or contact wnsetcic@gmail.com.Contact:West Northamptonshire Social Enterprise Townwnsetcic@gmail.com www.wnset.org